Bernice M. Gourse, 98

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SARASOTA, FLA. – Bernice Markoff Gourse passed away May 11. She was pre-deceased last October by her husband of 48 years, Samuel M. Gourse. Bernice, known by most as Bunny or Ber, was born in Providence, the daughter of Samuel and Ruth Markoff. Along with her two sisters, Dorothy Markoff Nelson (deceased) and Gloria Markoff Winston, they were often referred to as the Markoff sisters.

 

 Bunny is survived by her children, Susan Hynes (Thomas) and William Geffner, her sister, Gloria Markoff Winston, and her stepchildren,  Allan Gourse (Elizabeth), Richard Gourse (Wilma Ross), Judith Hoffman, (Edward Oslund). She also leaves her grandchildren, Stacy St. Pierre, (Dan), Michael Hynes, Rebecca and Alexander Gourse, Marcus and Alicia Hoffman, and  great-granddaughter Jacqueline St. Pierre. She was the beloved Aunt Ber to nieces and nephews, Sheila Greenbaum (Bob), Debby Nelson (Jim Pratt), the late Bruce Nelson (Susan), Samuel Winston (Hannah), Laura Winston (Rob Bruno), Ted Winston (Denise), and their children and grandchildren. In addition, the family would like to honor and thank the compassionate caregivers of Sarasota Bay Club Care for their support and kindness in recent years.

Contributions in Bunny’s memory may be made to the Samuel & Bernice Gourse Endowed Scholarship Fund at Brown University, Box 1877, Providence, RI 02912, or to the charity of your choice.